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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 28: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most dangerous offenses in the NBA when everyone is healthy. Right now, they have the 10th-worst defense in the league. It’s clear that they have to do something to improve that part of their game.
With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, LA will not have an issue scoring. They still have a top-ten offense despite both James and Reaves missing games. With the defense lagging behind the Lakers, they have been viewed as a team that can make a trade at the deadline.
It’s clear that the Lakers will be looking to improve their perimeter defense at the deadline. One trade proposal from ESPN has them doing just that for a very small price.
GettySacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis dunks the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Lakers Add Defensive Piece in Shrewd Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
Los Angeles Lakers get: Keon Ellis
Sacramento Kings get: Dalton Knecht, 2032 second-round pick
This is the perfect win-win trade for both franchises. LA has been trying to dump Knecht since last season, when they tried to include him in the Mark Williams trade before it was rescinded. It’s clear that they have lost faith in him for whatever reason, and he’s not in the rotation.
Ellis is someone who vacillates between being in the rotation and sitting on the bench. His scoring is fine, but what he would give the Lakers is some help on the perimeter. He gives a lot of effort, which is something that the Lakers need off the bench.
The best part about this trade from a Lakers perspective is that they don’t pay a high price. A future second-round pick and a player they don’t want is almost too good to be true. They would retain a couple of other trade chips that they could use on a bigger piece if they desired.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka looks on. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers Should be Active at the Trade Deadline
LA will likely be active at the trade deadline next month. With James’ time in the NBA winding down, they understand that the title window is shrinking. Right now, LA sits at fourth in the Western Conference standings, and the Nuggets will likely fall with Nikola Jokic hurt.
The Lakers still need perimeter defense help as their top priority. Whoever that player is needs to be someone who isn’t a complete zero on offense. That shouldn’t be too hard to find, even in a trade market that seems to be shrinking as the deadline continues.
Los Angeles is one of the teams to watch when it comes to being active at the deadline. Rob Pelinka understands that he can’t stand pat in what is a very competitive Western Conference. Even if they bring in someone who isn’t Ellis, getting a perimeter defender is the top priority for the Lakers.
LA has Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent on expiring deals to use as trade chips, too.